Does Moringa oleifera leaf extract protect the brain against 3-acetylpyridine-induced cerebellar ataxia in rat?

Abstract

There is no treatment for some neurological conditions, like cerebellar ataxia (CA). Moringa Oleifera (MO) has been revealed to have neuroprotective properties, but little is known about how it could protect against CA. In this study, we studied the neuroprotective effects of MO in an animal model of CA induced by 3-acetylpyridine (3-AP), which showed deficits in balance and motor coordination. Although cerebellar neuroinflammatory responses are evident in CA, it is yet unclear how neuroinflammation might influence CA. Here, we investigate whether MO, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective qualities, can help with cerebellar neurodegeneration and locomotor activity deficits. We divided 24 adult male rats into four equal groups. The control group received saline orally, the MO group received MO extract orally, the 3-AP group was injected with 3-AP, and the 3-AP + MO combined group received both 3-AP and MO for four weeks. The animals underwent a motor coordination test on the experiment's first and last days. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanized, the cerebellums were dissected, and they were then subjected to standard biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical studies. The combined group showed remarkable improvement in the CA. The cerebellar neurodegeneration and declination of locomotor activity had improved. Our findings imply that MO may protect against the CA degenerative condition and improve cerebellar function.